Mahnaz and David Lee at the 2017 Tatler Ball (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
Cover Mahnaz and David Lee at the 2017 Tatler Ball (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)

As the highly anticipated Tatler Ball approaches, we speak to five members of our Tatler community who reminisce about their favourite memories from past events

Not only is the annual Tatler Ball the most stunning and exclusive event in Hong Kong, it is also an opportunity for those who belong to the Tatler community to get together, laugh, celebrate each other and enjoy each other’s company. Over the years, we have seen our fabulous guests, suited and booted and all frocked up, making memories that we’re certain will last long after the evening draws to a close.

From glamorous encounters with celebrities to receiving meaningful awards that recognise one’s impact on society, the Tatler Ball is full of unforgettable moments that are both dazzling and sentimental. 

Ahead of this year’s event in late November, we catch up with a few of our Tatler community members who share with us their best experiences and warmest memories that have made the Tatler Ball a staple on their and Hong Kong’s social calendar.

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Johanna Arculli

“Tatler Ball is always a highlight of the season. It’s wonderfully organised and a great opportunity to catch up with old and new faces. It’s great fun!”

Dee Poon

“My favourite Tatler Ball memory is from 2013, the year Margie [Poon’s mother Marjorie Yang] won the Diamond Award [an award reserved for individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the essence of the city]. She won it because she’s so hardcore! 

I look forward Tatler Ball every year because it means being with friends and having a really good time together. As for a funny anecdote: I remember in 2010 when I won the Most Stylish Woman Award, I didn’t know I needed had to have a speech prepared, so I went up to the stage  and [stood there] stunned. I thanked whoever made my dress and whoever did my hair that night. I was floored! [laughs].”

Read more: Dee Poon on female bonds, depression, and being raised by a single mum and a village of ‘girls and gays’

Mahnaz Lee

“My favourite memory of Tatler Ball is the excitement I feel when getting dolled up. I [get] butterflies before arriving at the Ball, [which] used to be held in September and it was a great opportunity to see our friends after long summer holidays away. It was a sort of reunion of the Tatler community and a highly anticipated glamour event in the city. Tatler events are always a treat with amazing food and entertainment. 

Beautiful gowns and gorgeous friends reuniting and mingling during the cocktail were always my favourite parts of the evening—I cherish all the precious moments and fun times attending the Ball over the years.

I love to take photos and I’d always bring a small camera with me. I usually carry small Judith Leiber clutches [which don’t fit much], so I would get my husband [David Lee] to put the camera in his tuxedo jacket pocket. It’s such an odd thing to do nowadays!”

Marisa Yiu

“I love the glitz and glamour of Tatler Ball and, of course, seeing everyone all dressed up. I personally loved seeing [Tatler Chief Experience Officer] Sean Fitzpatrick and [former Tatler editorial director] Sean Lee-Davies together on stage in 2017, co-emceeing the event together. I look forward to listening to the award winners’ speeches and who they honour; their words of gratitude, and their personal stories [of triumph].”

Charmaine Li

“I have many fond memories of Tatler Ball but the one that stands out is from 2018, in the midst of Typhoon Mangkhut. Guests truly showed the camaraderie and tenacity of Hong Kong, where even an act of God could not stop the event [from happening] nor deter the guests from coming. Tatler Ball is an institutional event in Hong Kong which celebrates community—it’s what makes it the highlight of the year for me to attend, next to the Royal Ascot!

There are too many fun moments to count, but one of my favourites is when my beautiful friend Ming Ho-Tang won the Most Stylish Woman Award in 2018, arriving at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Oscar de la Renta haute couture and Chopard jewels. Most impressive was that not even a Typhoon 10 could sway her from wearing four inch heels!”

Joanna Lui-Hickox

“It’s difficult to choose just one. Being recognised as the Most Promising Young Lady, among the many entrepreneurial women within our diverse and accomplished community at Tatler Ball 2018 was definitely a personal highlight. I always look forward to catching up with friends at Tatler Ball—it never loses its appeal. It feels like one big house party and it’s a longstanding highlight of the social scene.

A fun memory: sitting next to Donnie and Cissy Yen at last year’s gala and bonding over our shared attempt to drink the lassi [a yoghurt based beverage] by Gaggan Anand out of a baby bottle, while trying to look elegant and keep a straight face. It was definitely one for the books!”

Tatler Asia
Above Joanna Lui-Hickox with Tatler's chairman and CEO, Michel Lamunière at the 2018 Tatler Ball (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)

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